Top Tips for Achieving Your New Year Goals in 2025

Happy New Year! We made it! Yay! What are your goals for the year? Whatever they are, be sure to find these tips very helpful. 

30 Tips For Winning Goals in 2025

🤜🤛

#1

Make friends with successful people and occasionally buy them gift and surprise them with lunch because successful people always give and hardly get, so when you give them, they value the gift a lot.

#2

Get a mentor and follow his instructions and respect the relationship. Never beg your mentor for money or disrespect his or her privacy.

#3

Make new positive friends as often as possible and ensure you keep the communication line open. Create a network of friends and not just connections.

I Woke Up Feeling Like a Failure, and Here's What I Did About It

“Happy New Month, Mummy Kamma,” the woman at my daughter’s school greeted. “Oh, is it already February?” I was surprised that I didn’t figure it out sooner.

The enemy had me on a battle throughout the night. I am not even kidding.

When You Feel like a Failure

We all have dark moments.

There are times when things don’t go according to plan.

Maybe a relationship issue. Maybe the project didn’t fall into place. Or, maybe you didn’t get the promotion. When you fall short of achieving a goal it’s easy to feel let down.

One Dark Moment

Last night was one of my dark moments. And to think that my day was super lit until I checked out LinkedIn few hours before bed. Oh, I wish I didn’t. 

I can’t figure out what made me visit that platform but I got stuck in my mind when I started to compare my profile with some other persons’. I started to panic. 

Use Love Languages at Work to Build Healthier Relationships (AUDIO)

Everyone needs to feel appreciated to know they’re contributing valuable work and ideas. But effectively demonstrating appreciation often requires more than saying “Good job.” 

I recorded this presentation I made while with Mediacraft Associates for personal use until I couldn’t resist the pressing urge to publish it for the world to hear. 

 Please listen below 👇🏾 

 

I must admit that many things triggered sharing it publicly: 

1. Just last week, the tragic news about a banker who committed suicide within the bank’s premises went viral. There are many more employees who have committed suicide that we do not know about. It’s on Vanguard, Punch, Cable, everywhere you look. The world is in dire need of LOVE. 

2. My current phone might be formatted soon, and I fear that I might lose this file forever. Not a valid reason, actually.

3. Two of my colleagues made reference to a presentation I made some time ago, and I believe it was quite insightful.

4. Above all, the two most important personalities in my life—my husband and the Holy Spirit— have given me their go-ahead.

Want to feel God’s love? Listen to this. 

Please share the link and leave your thoughts in the comment. Thank you.

Stay positive.

Stay inspired.

Stay be-YOU-tiful.

Posted by Nwamaka Onyekachi

Let's connect on X: @Amakamedia

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Heart Rays. . . giving light.

I Asked 4 People, “Who Do You Say That I Am?”

Let’s look at it this way; I am following the footsteps of Jesus in the stunning context where he asked his disciples this question, “What are the people saying about me, the Son of Man? Who do they believe I am?” They answered, “Some are convinced you are John the Baptizer, others say you are Elijah reincarnated, or Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.”

“But you—who do you say that I am?” Jesus asked.

Narrowing Down My Niche

Sometimes you start to doubt your own unique identity. Sometimes you get confused with the reality of what you’re trying to do and how you’re going about it. Sometimes you just need more depth in understanding what you are already doing. I wanted to see me through the lens of my closest friends… and they showed up for me in a different way than I expected them to. 

I am humbled to think that this is what S, P, M and B think of me. 

Question 1:

When you think of "AMAKAMEDIA," what vibes or feelings do you get?

S: One who is very passionate and pours her emotions into her content.

P: Vibes of authenticity and openness.

M: Amaka as a person.  Personal blog, where she shares her journey, news or some stuffs like that.

B: AMAKAMEDIA 

Question 2:

What words or phrases pop into your head when you hear "AMAKAMEDIA"?

Writing From Scratch Is No Longer Scratching, Is It?

I do not promote myself enough. No, scratch that. I do not market my products and services enough. It’s high time I started hyping up my own enterprise. 

Let me know if it’s working. ;)

‘I Write’ or ‘AI Right’

Recently, someone asked me why I had not been churning out content as I was doing before I got married. I laughed and I was surprised by the sound of that laughter.

Prior to that moment, such question would have taken me aback. I would have beaten myself up for not producing fruits as much as I wanted to. Thankfully, I had grown into a woman who knows what she has been called to bear in this season. 

If it was not because the question came right after a heartfelt appreciation of how one of my blog posts had helped her out, I would not have bothered with a response. However, I gave a reply stating that my content focus had evolved into videos and encouraged her to subscribe to my YouTube channel. 

Perhaps the reply was not satisfactory enough. This person now mistakenly said: Ahan, there is ChatGPT to help you create content nah. You can even transcribe your videos to text with AI.

I laughed again. But this time, the laughter was a private moment within me. No one heard it.

Never Ever Write “My Husband Said” In A Professional Email

If you are reading this paragraph right now, just start laughing at me already. Just laugh. I didn’t know how funny the mail sounded until those who heard it started laughing about it. Lmho. 

Avoid Personal Reference In An Official Email

If you have been an ardent follower of Heart Rays, then you’d know that I share from real life experiences. I make it so raw that you can almost feel the emotions pouring onto the page. Yeah, I get that feedback from my readers A LOT. However, today is not going to be so emotional because I just want to get it over with. It’s 23:47 and I need to go to bed because I have to host a virtual brainstorming session with my team tomorrow morning. 

So, here’s the gist: Nigeria just concluded her gubernatorial election which brought a lot of tension in my local area due to tribal conflicts and electoral violence. It felt unsafe going to work today (Monday). My husband vehemently insisted that I stay back home with the girls as well. 

So I sent a mail to the HR stating that “my husband said...”. 

Please, laugh at me.

I don’t even know what I was thinking! 

Don’t be like me. Here are some reasons why you should AVOID using personal references in your professional emails:

1. It undermines your Credibility

When you're communicating in a professional setting, it's essential to maintain impartiality and avoid introducing personal biases or opinions into the conversation. Relying on someone else's opinion or authority in a professional setting suggests that you're not confident in your own knowledge or ability to make decisions. This can undermine your credibility in the workplace.

New Job Jitters? A Guide to Navigating Your First Day with Confidence and Success

I recently read an article I wrote that was titled "The First Day At A New Job", and I couldn't help smiling. Little Amaka has grown into a Senior Executive in the PR/Media Industry. Lol. Yeah, I’m back to full-time employment. :)

How To Survive Your First Day At A New Job

Starting a new job can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. As you prepare to enter a new working environment, you may feel uncertain about what to expect and how to navigate your new role. But don't worry - with the right mindset and approach, you can make your first day at a new job a success.

As someone who has been through this experience before, I have some advice for those of you who may be starting a new job soon. Here are some tips to help you survive your first day at a new job:

1. Come with an open mind

One of the most important things you can do on your first day at a new job is to come with an open mind. Be willing to learn, to ask questions, and to take on new challenges. Remember that you are there to grow and develop in your career, and that will require a willingness to be open to new ideas and ways of doing things.

3 Lessons I Learnt From Losing A Contract Job

For the risk of over-sharing (and, perhaps, I would) I decided to make this a CAREER post and not a ‘Dear Diary’ entry. 

When you lose a contract, a job or a business deal, the last thing you typically feel is positive.

Losing A Contract Job

I am not ready to job-hunt but I am ever-ready and willing to put my skills to work and make some cool money. Having spent almost half a decade as a creative freelancer, I pride myself on being good at what I do. I'm thoughtful about managing communication and relationships, clear about my rates and scope of work, and good at under-promising and over-delivering on results. 

Generally speaking, my clients are always happy. While some show their gratitude with words, others do by referrals. 

Wait, I’m losing focus. This article is not about how good I am but how TERRIBLE I am at NEGOTIATION.

I like being liked, and I tend to feel uncomfortable getting into a squabble with someone over money. So it caught me off guard when this contract went south.

As awkward as it was, I learned quite a few lessons that I hope can help you too. They are:

Writing Is Prophetic

I’ve learned over the years that the exact same thing can happen when I write.

Prophetic Writing

I often find that when I sit with a pen and paper, if I anticipate that the Holy Spirit will give me something to write, He does. I receive thought impressions and visual images in my mind and write them as I receive them. It's prophetic.

Sometimes I don't even understand what I had written until days or weeks later.

Prophetic writing isn’t spooky or weird. It’s pretty normal. And with a little practice, it can become a beautiful way to communicate God’s heart to others.

Your Office Is The Best Place To Prove You're A Christian

Hi again! My name is Amaka and I will be hitting thirty on the 26th day of the coolest month of the year. And I am sharing my lessons from being a 20-something just before my journey into 30s begins.

This post is the 13th lesson. I hope it inspires you in some way. Happy reading!

Christian In The Workplace 

I graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) at 20.

Between turning 20 and turning 29, I have worked with different individuals and organizations across diverse sectors of the media and communications industry.

Broadcast Media — FUTA Radio;
Telecommunications — MTN;
ICT— PM Global Technology Service Ltd;
Digital Media — SBI Media;
Amongst others.

You gotta believe me when I say it's not easy being a Christian in the workplace. Right?

Right!

Don't Quit Your 9-5 Job Until You Feel It In Your Gut

Happy New Week! Having the same opening paragraph over and over might seem boring to you. Permit to use to say it one more time. Thank you. 

Hi. My name is Amaka. I will be 30 on the 26th day of the coolest month of the year. You didn't know June is the coolest month? I have been sharing my lessons from being a 20-something right at the start of June.

This post is the eleventh. I hope it inspires you in some way. Happy reading!

Overcome Your Fear Of Change

I’ll let you in on a little secret.

In my 20s, I quit my job twice.

It was a scary thing for me to do at both times.

The first time I quit my job (which lasted for two years), I was not financially prepared. The only thing that kept me going was the fact that I still lived with my parents at the time, which artificially deflated my cost of living (while simultaneously increasing theirs).

It wasn't an easy time but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.

This Is What You Will Learn From Your First Full-time Job

Happy New Week! Trust your weekend was great. I will be 30 on the 26th day of the coolest month of the year. And so I have decided to share my lessons from being a 20-something just before my journey into 30 begins.

This post is the sixth. I hope it inspires you in some way. Happy reading!

First-time Employee

My first official job was a call centre agent.

Thinking about it now, this role also played out in my second and third jobs. I was always handling calls and managing incoming or outgoing information for each organization/brand.

I will tell you about my other jobs in subsequent posts. However, let's focus on what I learned from my first job.

That You Will Be Scared

Nothing beats the feeling you get when you receive your first employment letter. After applying and going to the interview, getting the job is one of the best feelings in the world. You will be filled with anxiety and excitement all together.

The first time is always potentially terrifying. It can be impossible and daunting, but some people make it possible and learn the ropes. I did.

Navigating Extra Year In A Nigerian University Humbles You

Hi sweets. Welcome to the coolest month of the year! You don't have to argue. June is the coolest month of the year. Say "kool" and then, say "joon". Got you!

I will be hitting the big three-0 on the 26th day of the coolest month. And like I told you last week, I will be sharing lessons from being a 20-something just before my journey into 30s begins.

This is the first lesson. I hope it inspires you in some way. Happy reading!

Extra Year Experience

At 20, I was to graduate from the university of Nigeria, Nsukka but I failed two final-year courses that kept me back in school.

I still claim to have graduated at 20 whenever I'm asked because technically speaking. . .yeah?

Nearly all my course mates had graduated and were moving on for NYSC when I found myself in the exam hall with a pen and paper writing ACC411 and ACC401. (Or, was it ACC402? I can't even remember. Lol). I am laughing about it right now but it wasn't funny at 21.

How to Start a New Lifestyle Blog and Stay Committed for Years

Hi, my name is Amaka. I've been blogging since 2014 and loving every moment of it. Blogging helped me find my voice, get a job and earn money on the side.

When I was learning how to create a blog back in 2014, it took me some time to find all the right information online and I had to look for it on different websites. That's why I've created this blog post to teach beginners how to make a blog fast and easy.

It's not as complicated as many people think.

Starting A Blog in this Season

Many people have walked up to me asking about how they can start their blogs too. I thought it would do a lot of good to put it out here on the blog.

First of all, I must let you know that blogging is hard work. It requires patience, consistency and passion. A lot of that. Without passion, I probably would have stopped blogging the following year.

If your primary goal for wanting to start a blog is to make money, then I'm sorry to let you know that this article would not be useful for you. However, if you are striving for living a significant and purposeful life, then you are in for a ride!

CAREER: Why I Quit My Job Again

The first time I quit my job I was single, living with my parents and had no plan whatsoever. Do I regret it? Absolutely not! It was one of the most amazing (overwhelming, frustrating, exciting, scary) years of my life.

Then I found a new job. Got married, started building a home and quit my job again. What's up with me?

The Benefit Of Quitting Your Job

It's the last quarter of the year. While some are getting into new jobs and promotions, others are looking forward to finding better ones before the year ends.

And here, someone is talking about quitting her job?! Whaaat?! Who does that?!

In case we have never met, and you are wondering who this woman is and how she has the guts to go about getting a job and quitting, and not only that, but also having the guts to tell you there are benefits of quitting your job. Calm down, please.

Let me tell you something first:

CAREER: Forgive The Boss Who Treated You Wrongly

Ever been treated unfairly by your boss(es)? Same here. I'll tell you all about it.

It's Career-Wednesday!

Forgiving Your Boss

Anyone who has been privileged to have authority over people will agree that it is a difficult task to manage people. Even the admin on a WhatsApp group will admit that it’s difficult to lead people. There are so many things to consider: inspiration, motivation, results, feelings, safety, etc. 

No wonder bosses screw it up so bad. No wonder, they get paid more. Maybe so.

I thought of writing out my pain the moment I was given a suspension letter without a fair hearing at the office. I was so hurt. I needed to pour out somewhere. I drafted a post. And when I read the words I'd written, the emotional spill was too raw. I deleted it. Lol. 

Who Gets Excited About Monday?

Imagine waking up in the morning and you scream "it's Monday! I am so excited to get back to work!". Imagine slapping the alarm off and then break into a musical inspired montage where you tap dance to the bathroom and breeze out the door, excited for what the day holds for you.

That might be a bit exaggerated but it doesn't hurt to imagine, does it? 😀

Get Excited About Monday

Who gets excited about Mondays? Well, it depends on who you ask. Someone who only works on the weekends would be super excited because Monday is the new Friday for such a person.

However, if you work the regular Monday – Friday, you might have to "find" some excitement about Mondays.

In prep for a new week, here is an inspirational quote.

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”

Redefine The Way You View Stress At Your Workplace

Hello sweethearts of my blogosphere! How are you doing? I know I've not been regular here as much, please bear with me. There is a lot going on. And work? It has been stretching me.

It's 8:00PM. I thought I could let this day pass because I am VERY tired but thankfully, I found my fingers hitting the keypad. It's Career-Wednesday!

Redefine Stress At Work

Rick Warren says in his book, The Purpose Driven Life; “Work becomes worship when you dedicate it to God and perform it with an awareness of his presence.” I concur!

Sometimes it takes only the presence of the Holy Spirit to keep you sane when the happenings at work try to drive you crazy.

Phew. 

It Is Not About The Money, Right?

It's Career-Wednesday. I hope you are among those who believe the best job for you goes beyond the salary you earn. Sometimes you might get discouraged when you focus on the money.

I write to shift your focus.

Beyond The Pay

You will be tried and tested.

You will be beaten down by failure and humbled by criticisms.

In your moments of self-doubt, more money is not a big enough cause to drive you.

More money is not the motivation you need to do the hard things that being successful demands.

More money is not enough reason to base your decisions.

3 Helpful Career Tips From 'Black Panther' 2018 Movie

Everybody loves Black Panther. If you haven't seen 'Black Panther', what are you waiting for? Spoiler alert! Go see it and come back!

Today's #CareerWednesday. I told you here that I was going to share some career lessons from the movie, yeah?  Let's do this!

3 Career Lessons From Black Panther

Some movies don't just entertain, they also teach us valuable lessons about life, the world, and everything. Black Panther is one movie. You just can't get enough of it.

Imagine that yours truly went to the cinema with a notepad because the positive reviews on social media got her all hyped up about the movie. I decided to see 'Black Panther' with an intention to learn something new. Using shorthand techniques, I wrote out quotes and sayings that resonated deeply with me.

When you see someone writing while watching a movie, don't judge them. Lol.